I’m sure we’ve all been there; you go on vacation for hopefully a relaxing and guilt free time, but then you realize- you’ve forgotten something. You don’t know what, but you can’t shake the feeling as you’re standing in line for TSA and they are loudly announcing for you to remove your electronics from your bag even though last time you didn’t have to. You check in to your hotel, and you can’t wait to take a shower and get the travel grime off of you. Then it hits you, you forgot your shampoo. But don't worry; the hotel provides a complimentary two-use shampoo bottle (though it's hardly designed with long hair in mind). Not only is this bottle made from plastic that's unlikely to be recycled, but the product inside often contains synthetic surfactants and potentially hormone-disrupting fragrances. Perhaps this situation could have been avoided if you hadn't been rushed while packing and had transferred your regular shampoo into a travel-sized container or better yet, if you already had a travel-friendly shampoo bar ready to go.
Travel Ready Products
While the idea of using refillable travel-sized bottles seems sustainable, the reality is less so. Most travel-sized bottles are made from plastic that isn't recyclable, and it's easy to forget to refill them, leading to situations like the one described above.
Opting for products that are already travel friendly makes sustainable travel much more convenient because all you need to do is grab and go.
Eco-Friendly, Travel Ready Products:
Bring What You’ll Need
Packing only the essentials can reduce emissions associated with transportation. Additionally, bringing commonly used disposable items such as cutlery, water bottles, and shopping bags can help minimize single-use waste while you're on the move. By ensuring you have what you need for basic activities like snacking, eating, drinking, and shopping, you can maintain your eco-friendly values without sacrificing convenience.
Keep it Local
Supporting the local community you’re visiting is a sustainable and eco-friendly way to travel. When you support the local establishments, the money is more likely to stay within the community and help their local economy. This is especially important for tourist areas where many corporations can dominate. This often leaves small town businesses struggling even during peak tourist seasons because people tend to go to what they know. A good rule of thumb is if you have it at home, don’t go! There will be nothing special about your experience if you visit the same places you’ve already been to.
Respect The Land and The Culture
Respecting the land means leaving it better than you found it and refraining from touching or disturbing natural features. While a few inconsiderate tourists might spoil the experience for others, it's often the collective carelessness of many that leads to degradation. Look I get it, nobody wants to do anything that feels like a chore while on vacation. But if you're not inclined to be mindful, perhaps consider staying at a resort and not venturing beyond its confines. There is nothing more disheartening than visiting a gorgeous national park and having your immersive hike suddenly be disrupted by some human trash left behind by others, or seeing elegant female sculptures that constantly get groped, or natural phenomena that have been tagged with “this person was here”, nobody cares! We look with our eyes, not our hands.
By embracing small yet impactful changes, like choosing reusable items, supporting local businesses, and respecting the environments you visit, you contribute to a global movement toward responsible tourism.
But don't stop here. Your journey toward sustainable travel can start today. Here’s how you can make a difference:
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Start with One Change Replace a single-use plastic item with a reusable alternative on your next trip.
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Support Local Choose locally-owned accommodations and eateries to help boost the local economy.
Share Your Journey! Use your social platforms to inspire others by sharing your sustainable travel experiences. Tag us @thewastelessshop 
